Solar Flare Prairieblues False Indigo

‘Solar Flare’ is the cultivar name for the Prairieblues™ false indigo developed at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Its yellow flowers age through orange toward violet, while the medium-green foliage and sturdy, branching stems give the plant structure after the early-summer display. [Chicagoland Grows’ release bulletin](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/sites/default/files/pdf/commercial_releases/PRB%2026%20Baptisia%20Solar%20Flare%20Prairieblues.pdf) and [Plants Nouveau](https://www.plantsnouveau.com/plants/perennials/baptisia-prairieblues-solar-flare) distinguish the cultivar ‘Solar Flare’ from its Prairieblues trade-series name. ## Landscape Use Place it at the back of a perennial border, in a mixed native planting, or as a specimen with room for its broad outline. Its flower color changes as each spike matures, making the flowering period visually varied. The breeder notes that strong stems hold up well in summer weather. ## Seasonal Interest Purple-tinged stems emerge in spring. Yellow flowers appear in early to mid-June in the Chicago Botanic Garden’s zone 5 trial and age orange to violet. Medium-green foliage remains attractive through the growing season. ## Mature Size The release bulletin reports approximately 4 feet tall and 4½ feet wide at five years; Plants Nouveau gives 4 feet by 4½ feet. ## Siting and Soil Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. The cultivar tolerates dry conditions after establishment and can grow in sandy soil; the Chicago Botanic Garden also notes tolerance of clay that is not overly wet. The breeder lists USDA zones 4–9. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and prolonged dry spells. The release describes this as a low-maintenance, long-lived perennial and recommends cutting back old stems in winter. Avoid disturbing the plant after its extensive roots are established.